A $29.9 billion capital construction program to fix schools, roads and municipal infrastructure improvements that have languished for more than a decade – and provide tens of thousands of construction jobs in the process – will include more than $70.4 million for projects in the 45th District, according to Senator Tim Bivins.

The Illinois Senate voted May 20 to pass three bills that would set into motion the massive public works program.

“We all agree that road and bridge projects, new school buildings, water and sewer system improvements are important. This program will address long-neglected capital needs in a fair and equitable manner – and provide thousands of jobs in the process,” Senator Bivins said. “However, I do not support the funding sources for this program. We can’t ask taxpayers to pay for a capital program when we face so many obstacles in putting together an operating budget. A much more reasonable approach would be to sell bonds for a smaller, but more predictable capital program.”

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Senate approves $29.9 billion capital construction plan

5/21/2009

Passed by a 47-12 vote, House Bill 255 is the revenue bill for the capital construction program. It creates the Capital Projects Fund, which will be funded with revenues generated by the legalization of video gaming; an increase in license plate fees; and new taxes on coffee, tea, candy and grooming and hygiene products.

Passed by a 59-0 vote, House Bill 312 is the spending (appropriations) bill for the capital construction program.

Passed by a 59-0 vote, House Bill 2400 is the bond authorization legislation for the capital construction program. It adds $3.6 billion in capital bond authorization for general obligation bonds, $420 million for school construction, $1 billion for roads, $600 million for mass transit and $650 million for various state facilities. It also includes $810 million in Build Illinois bond authorization, including member initiatives.

Local projects included in the legislation include $38,204,400 for costs associated with a project on US 20, from US Business 20 west of Freeport to west of Illinois 26; and $3,300,000 to replace the fire alarm system at the Dixon Correctional Center.

Senator Bivins said the program will make possible funding for 325 schools that submitted applications for capital improvement funds for Fiscal Years 2003-2010, including Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico CUSD 3, and Byron CUSD 228.

The bills also include $28,961,000 in regular funding for 46 road and bridge improvement projects affecting 5.6 miles of roads in the 45th District.

Approved by the Senate May 20, the bills now move to the House of Representatives for further consideration. If passed there, the bills move to the Governor and will become law with his signature.